Community Over Competition (But Only If It’s Real)

In this episode, Megan talks about one of her favorite business values: community over competition — and why it only works when it’s genuine.

Supporting other business owners has led to friendships, growth, referrals, and opportunities throughout her career. But lately, she’s noticed something important:

Community has become a phrase… instead of a behavior.

What Real Community Looks Like

True community isn’t just networking — it’s relationship.

It includes:

• Sharing knowledge
• Encouraging during slow seasons
• Helping shift perspective
• Referring inquiries that aren’t the right fit
• Supporting others without immediate return
• Making business feel less isolating

Sometimes the best service you can provide a client is:

Not booking them — and connecting them with someone better suited.

That builds trust, not competition.

When “Community” Becomes Marketing

The phrase gets misused when it becomes one-sided.

Warning signs:

• Only asking for help
• Taking information but never giving back
• Showing up only when needing something
• Wanting access instead of relationship
• Treating people like resources

Community cannot exist if it only flows one direction.

Mutual Benefit Matters

Healthy relationships aren’t perfectly even — they’re reciprocal over time.

You don’t keep score daily. But both people invest.

The real question becomes:

How can we both grow from this?

Not:

What can I get from you?

A Practical Example

Megan offers complimentary mini branding sessions to small business owners during slower months.

They receive:

• Photos and video
• A sample of working together

She receives:

• Portfolio content
• Promotion opportunities
• A chance to build relationships

That’s community — a win-win, not a transaction.

Why One-Sided Community Fails

When imbalance continues:

• Resentment grows
• Boundaries disappear
• Generosity becomes burnout

But when it’s real:

• Trust grows
• Collaboration happens naturally
• Opportunities expand

Choosing Your Circle

Community doesn’t mean including everyone.

It means investing intentionally.

Not every relationship aligns — and that’s okay.

Focus on people who:

• Show up
• Reciprocate over time
• Value relationship over access

Closing Thought

Community over competition still matters — maybe more than ever.

But it works only when practiced, not posted.

Community isn’t proven by what we say about each other. It’s proven by how we show up for each other.